Some Energy Cost Savings
February 11, 2009
With budgets tightening, it could be helpful to use some of these suggestions for "going green" or just reducing your utility costs.
If you don't already have one, a programmable thermostat allows you to have greater control over your energy bills. You can program the gadget to lower the temperature on a nightly basis in these cold wintry nights or raise the temperature on summer nights when our climate cools in the evenings. The Department of Energy's EnergyStar program has a calculator on its web site that allows you to calculate how much these advanced thermostats can save you.
A really cost benefit strategy is to keep your heating and cooling filters clean. Changing them at least 3 times a year is probably sufficient to increase the efficiency of your system and thereby reduce the operating costs. Such an easy fix, that can be overlooked.
Along the lines of preset control, installing motion sensor lights outdoors can be a useful electric bill saver, Instead of turning the porch light on, these sensor lights only work when someone approaches. If you are forgetful and leave the light on overnight, this device will definitely provide a cost benefit.
For years, low flow fixtures have been promoted as a water saver as well as a cost saver. There are low flow shower heads, faucet aerators and toilets. It may amaze you how much you can reduce your water consumption for an almost immediate cost savings. Faucet aerators cost approximately $2 and will definitely create a savings.
More and more promotion is being given to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Experts say that replacing light bulbs with CFLs can be the cheapest and most effective way to get significant savings on energy bills.
Check out your blinds, shades and curtains. They can insulate against bot winter cold and summer heat. If you are redecorate, look into some of the new products.
You might want to have an energy audit, which can be done at no charge from a utility provider such as the electric or gas company. If you have air leaking out of or onto your house, filling the gaps around windows and doors can conserve energy.
Some of these strategies can almost be done at no cost. Others may cost initially, but over time will prove beneficial.
With budgets tightening, it could be helpful to use some of these suggestions for "going green" or just reducing your utility costs.
If you don't already have one, a programmable thermostat allows you to have greater control over your energy bills. You can program the gadget to lower the temperature on a nightly basis in these cold wintry nights or raise the temperature on summer nights when our climate cools in the evenings. The Department of Energy's EnergyStar program has a calculator on its web site that allows you to calculate how much these advanced thermostats can save you.
A really cost benefit strategy is to keep your heating and cooling filters clean. Changing them at least 3 times a year is probably sufficient to increase the efficiency of your system and thereby reduce the operating costs. Such an easy fix, that can be overlooked.
Along the lines of preset control, installing motion sensor lights outdoors can be a useful electric bill saver, Instead of turning the porch light on, these sensor lights only work when someone approaches. If you are forgetful and leave the light on overnight, this device will definitely provide a cost benefit.
For years, low flow fixtures have been promoted as a water saver as well as a cost saver. There are low flow shower heads, faucet aerators and toilets. It may amaze you how much you can reduce your water consumption for an almost immediate cost savings. Faucet aerators cost approximately $2 and will definitely create a savings.
More and more promotion is being given to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Experts say that replacing light bulbs with CFLs can be the cheapest and most effective way to get significant savings on energy bills.
Check out your blinds, shades and curtains. They can insulate against bot winter cold and summer heat. If you are redecorate, look into some of the new products.
You might want to have an energy audit, which can be done at no charge from a utility provider such as the electric or gas company. If you have air leaking out of or onto your house, filling the gaps around windows and doors can conserve energy.
Some of these strategies can almost be done at no cost. Others may cost initially, but over time will prove beneficial.
posted by shirley harry at 8:54 AM
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